Michael Chandler faced a tough night at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami, where he suffered a third-round TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett in the lightweight co-main event. After staying silent for nearly two days, the former Bellator champion spoke out on social media, posting a heartfelt message about his defeat and his focus on family.
On April 14, Chandler shared a photo of himself holding hands with his eldest son, Hap, who was at the fight.
“Never out of the fight,” he wrote. “This picture sums it all up. As long as I’ve got these heartbeats and hands to hold, I’ve already won.”
The post came after he returned home to his wife, Brie, and their three children, including a newborn daughter born shortly before the event.
Never out of the fight. This picture sums it all up. As long as I’ve got these heartbeats and hands to hold, I’ve already won. pic.twitter.com/q7F1gB4KhD
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) April 14, 2025
A Father’s Perspective
Chandler’s wife, Brie, also posted on Instagram, sharing images of him wearing sunglasses to cover a cut from the fight but still smiling. The loss dropped Chandler to 2-5 in the UFC, marking his third straight defeat. Despite the setback, he didn’t address his fighting future directly, instead emphasizing his role as a father. The 38-year-old has always put family first, and his message reflected that priority after a challenging performance against Pimblett.
In the fight, Chandler started strong with a takedown but struggled as Pimblett took control with leg kicks and a devastating knee in the third round, leading to the stoppage. The defeat has sparked questions about what’s next for Chandler, but his post suggests he’s finding strength outside the octagon.
